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How it All Began | Failing Forward by Matt McWilliams

Our greatest lessons come from studying our own history. One year ago today, I launched this blog for exactly that reason. My life, my failures, my successes, my heartaches and my triumphs are all a part of my learning. And I get to share them all with you.

The great thing about present failure is that it leads to future success. (Click to Tweet)

I’ve since learned that my declaration that “I am a failure,” made in that maiden post was wrong. I am not, nor will I ever be a failure. But my life is full of failings. And the great thing about present failure is that it leads to future success.

If you’re new here, this is how it started. This is what my blog is all about:

And I am not ashamed or discouraged by that fact. I recently learned the art of failing forward. I realized that my life is a textbook, a history book of its own. And much like we learn from studying the history of others, our greatest lessons come from studying our own history.

I am a failure in life. Life is a pretty big deal, you know. And I have repeatedly failed at it.

“It” is not so easily defined but when I looked at what defines a life I came up with only three aspects: influence, impact, and integrity.

Do others follow me? Have I led others in the right direction? How have I used my influence?

Have I inspired those around me? Have I left my mark on the world and am I leaving a legacy? Have I made an impact?

Have I remained honest and faithful to my Creator? Have I stayed true to my beliefs? Have I maintained my integrity, come hell or high water?

I am sure there is more to life than those three things, but for me those are the core of my being and the reason for my existence.

Life, Leadership, and Love. Those are my major areas of experience and failure and the focus of this blog.

I have started three businesses of my own, worked for many others, and even been fired by my own father. I have been to the top, to the bottom, and spent countless hours trying to figure how to get to the one and avoid the other. I have held trophies and awards with the same hands that have been handcuffed.

I am a follower of the One who made me and the One who saved me first, a husband to an infinitely patient and faithful wife second, and a father to an adorable daughter third. Beyond that I am a lover of business, marketing, leadership, and learning. I am enamored with the pursuit of personal growth, influencing others, and changing the world. One business, one husband, one father, one leader at a time.

Welcome to a journey of discovery. Of life. Of leadership. Of love. Learned the hard way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links on this page above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Matt. Congrats on the year milestone!! I’m glad to say I’ve been reading since that day! I remember when someone on CLo’s blog said you should write a blog and you said to we’re lining things out to do just that!

Reading your blog has taught me to embrace my failures–as opportunities to learn, grow and redirect. My failures have helped me define what I really want to be doing and how I want to be as a person, husband, father, employee, entrepreneur, etc.

Yes, I’ve learned plenty from my failures. A question I ask those I work with: “How could I do this better next time?” This question has propelled my career. Initially, it helped me become a better engineer/designer. Then, it helped me become a better project manager. Now, it helps me to become a better operations manager.

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I help online business owners and brands, small and large, to leverage the power of partners to grow their businesses. I teach you how to make money as an affiliate and how to work better with affiliates.

If you want to grow your influence, have a bigger impact, and make more money in the process, you are in the right place.